2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith at Geneva Auto Show

After a brief media teaser campaign, Rolls-Royce took the wraps of the Wraith at this year's Geneva Auto Show yesterday.

Adding a Fastback option to the Rolls-Royce line-up, we were slightly disappointed to see such large C-pillars adding weight to the large car, especially in the two-tone paint scheme of the show car. This is most apparent from the side, although the angles shown here are more flattering to its rakish proportions.

Described as "The ultimate gentlemen's gran turismo," by CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös, he further suggested it "embodied the spirit of Charles Stewart Rolls."

The coach doors open to reveal a wonderful interior with the softest Phantom-grade leathers and vast expanses of wood called Canadel Panelling - apparently named after the cove in the South of France where Sir Henry Royce and his team spent the winter.
The ambiance is complemented by the Phantom's glitzy Starlight Headliner, which uses 1340 fiberoptic lamps hand-woven into the headliner to give the impression of a star-filled night sky.

Performance will be provided by a 624hp V12 engine with ZF's acclaimed eight-speed automatic transmission. Consequently, zero-to-60mph is said to be achieved in 4.4sec, faster event than the 4.7sec Ghost.

The Wraith will see the debut of Satellite Aided Transmission (SAT) technology that uses GPS data to anticipate the demands of the surroundings based on terrain and driving style. It will be able to "see" corners, freeway exits, hills, etc in order to be prepared to deliver the ideal gear.

Voice commands will now give access to telephone and navigation options, while a Rotary Controller and touchpad will pinch and pull functionality will grant further access. Letters can be 'drawn' onto the pad rather than by scrolling through a series of characters on-screen to access names or locations.

First deliveries will begin at the end of 2013, which North American pricing to follow soon.